We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 45 'My nation' he said, 'why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why do you not ask the forgiveness of Allah, in order that you find mercy' 46 They said, 'We augur ill of thee and of those that are with thee.' He said, 'Your augury is with God; nay, but you are a people being proved.' 47 There were in the city nine men of a family, who made mischief in the land, and would not reform. 48 They said: Swear to each other by Allah that we will certainly make a sudden attack on him and his family by night, then we will say to his heir: We did not witness the destruction of his family, and we are most surely truthful. 49 So they plotted a plot: and We plotted a plot, while they perceived not. 50 See, then, how was the end of their plan that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). 51 Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. 52 And We rescued those who accepted faith and used to fear. 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 54 Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant! 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was no other except that they said: Turn out Lut's followers from your town; surely they are a people who would keep pure! 56 Then We saved him and his household save his wife; We destined her to be of those who stayed behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58